Force and Motion

• what is distance


  how far an object moves, doesnt involve direction
• is distance scalar or vector


  scalar
• what is displacement


  includes both distance and direction
• is displacement scalar or vector


  vector
• is speed scalar or vector


  scalar
• what is velocity


  speed in a given direction
• describing a displacement-time graph

  gradient is velocity

  sharper gradient = faster speed

  negative gradient = returning to starting point

  horizontal line = stationary

  0 distance = back to starting point

  area under line = nothing

  curved line = velocity is changing (acceleration)

  
• how to find an objects speed in a distance-time graph

  draw a tangent and calculate the gradient
• describe a velocity time graph

  gradient = acceleration

  sharper gradient = greater acceleration

  negative gradient = deceleration

  horizontal line = constant speed

  0 velocity = stationary

  area under line = distance travelled

  curved line = acceleration changing
• describing a falling graph

  initially, object falls freely under gravity (9.8)

  drag forces will act (acceleration decreases as drag increases)

  object will move at terminal velocity (no acceleration)